Space Shuttle Atlantis erupts from Launch Pad 39A amid billows of smoke and steam as it climbs into the early evening sky.
Nearby, pelicans also launch from their perches at the roar of the liftoff. Launch occurred at 6:13:02 p.m. EST. Along with
a crew of five, Atlantis is carrying the U.S. Laboratory Destiny, a key module in the growth of the Space Station. Destiny will be
attached to the Unity node on the Space Station using the Shuttle’s robotic arm. Three spacewalks are required to complete
the planned construction work during the 11-day mission. This mission marks the seventh Shuttle flight to the Space Station,
the 23rd flight of Atlantis and the 102nd flight overall in NASA’s Space Shuttle program. The planned landing is at KSC
Feb. 18 about 1:00 p.m. EST.